Carlo Ancelotti gets PSG backing

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said Monday that coach Carlo Ancelotti is staying with the club and that he is open to talks with David Beckham about extending Beckham's stay in the French capital, according to French media reports.

"Ancelotti is staying at PSG," Al-Khelaifi told L'Equipe. "I don't understand why Ancelotti's future has been placed into doubt. He has a contract here with us until 2014 and, if the team finish the season in the top three, then his stay here will be certain: 100 percent."

Ancelotti, 53, was appointed as PSG boss in December of 2011 as a replacement for Antoine Kombouare. His deal was for 2 1/2 years, but the final year is optional and must be renewed by PSG depending on results this season.

"I want to stay. But I know that, at the end of the season, the club will decide whether they're happy or not with my work," the Italian coach told L'Equipe last month.

Al-Khelaifi made his comments one day prior to PSG's Champions League quarterfinal match against Barcelona at Parc des Princes on Tuesday.

PSG made headlines for a huge spending spree which has helped it sign the likes of striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, center-half Thiago Silva and highly-rated Brazil winger Lucas. But the club has yet to face a team of the caliber of four-time European champion Barcelona.

Beckham, the former England captain, joined Ancelotti's side on a five-month deal in January, and his brief contribution has helped the capital club book a Champions League quarterfinal with Barcelona as well as consolidate their position at the top of Ligue 1.

Beckham spoke of his happiness in Paris over the weekend and it now looks as though he will be given the opportunity to remain at the Parc des Princes next season.

"Recruiting David was one of my best decisions," Al-Khelaifi said in an interview with L'Equipe.
"As a man, player, ambassador, he is exceptional. It creates something in this group. Everyone loves it.

"We will talk with him. Whatever his decision, we support David.

"He is very happy in Paris. Frankly, we want to keep him with us next season."

Beckham has started once and made four substitute appearances for PSG since signing and confirmed on Saturday he is open to extending his stay.

He told Le Parisien: "We'll see. Who wouldn't want to stay at a place like this?

"It's very special but I'm not getting any younger so we'll see how I feel at the end of the season. It's always nice to be wanted."